Types of games having multiple stages and their applications utilizing game-operating computer systems and computer-implemented methods

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computer-implemented method for conducting a game, having at least steps of: electronically receiving, by at least one specifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, game entries data representing game entries of players to participate in the game; where each game entry identifies a single playing instance of the game, having a plurality of drawing events; electronically determining, by the processor, in real-time, based on a game mode, a plurality of winning results for the plurality of drawing events respectively; electronically determining, by the processor, in real-time, a winning game entry, having selections which win each drawing event of the plurality of drawing events; and electronically recording, by the processor, in real-time, a portion of a jackpot to be distributed to a particular player associated with the winning game entry.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/157,973, filed May 18, 2016, entitled “TYPES OF GAMES HAVING MULTIPLESTAGES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS UTILIZING GAME-OPERATING COMPUTER SYSTEMSAND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHODS”, which claims the priority of U.S.Patent Application No. 62/163,112; filed May 18, 2015, entitled“GAME-OPERATING COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR GAMES HAVING MULTIPLE STAGES ANDCOMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHODS OF USE THEREOF,” which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and dataas described below and in the drawings that form a part of thisdocument: Copyright, Intralot SA., All Rights Reserved.

FIELD OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is related to new types ofgames having multiple stages and their applications utilizinggame-operating computer systems and computer-implemented methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a typical game, such as a lottery type game, players purchase aparticipation in a single drawing. Player(s) who has/have ticket(s) withall winning numbers would share a common jackpot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for acomputer-implemented method for conducting a game, where the methodincludes at least the following steps of: electronically receiving, byat least one specifically programmed computer processor, via a computernetwork, in real-time, game entries data representing game entries fromat least a thousand (1,000) players to participate in the game; where atleast one game entry identifies a single playing instance of the game,where the single playing instance of the game includes: i) a firstselection to participate in a first drawing event, where the firstselection identifies R numbers from a first pool of P numbers; ii) asecond selection to participate in a second drawing event, where thesecond selection identifies Q numbers from a second pool of S numbers;iii) a third selection to participate in a third drawing event, wherethe third selection identifies T numbers from a third pool of U numbers;iv) a fourth selection to participate in a fourth drawing event, wherethe fourth selection identifies W numbers from a fourth pool of Xnumbers; and v) a fifth selection to participate in a fifth drawingevent, where the fifth selection identifies Y numbers from a fifth poolof Z numbers; electronically determining, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, based on atleast one game mode, a plurality of winning results includes: i) atleast one first winning result of the first drawing event, ii) at leastone second winning result of the second drawing event, iii) at least onethird winning result of the third drawing event, iv) at least one fourthwinning result of the fourth drawing event, and v) at least one fifthwinning result of the fifth drawing event; electronically determining,by the at least one specifically programmed computer processor, inreal-time, at least one winning game entry from the game entries data,where the at least one winning game entry is a particular game entry inwhich: i) the first selection matches the at least one first winningresult of the first drawing event, ii) the second selection matches theat least one second winning result of the second drawing event, iii) thethird selection matches the at least one third winning result of thethird drawing event, iv) the fourth selection matches the at least onefourth winning result of the fourth drawing event, and v) the fifthselection matches the at least one fifth winning result of the fifthdrawing event; and electronically recording, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, at least oneportion of a jackpot to be distributed to a particular player associatedwith the at least one winning game entry.

In some embodiments, the first pool of P numbers equals to the secondpool of S numbers; the second pool of S numbers equals to the third poolof U numbers; the third pool of U numbers equals to the fourth pool of Xnumbers; and the fourth pool of X numbers equals to the fifth pool of Znumbers.

In some embodiments, the at least one game entry includes: i) a firstgame entry identifying the first selection, ii) a second game entryidentifying the second selection, iii) a third game entry identifyingthe third selection, iv) a fourth game entry identifying the fourthselection, and v) a fifth game entry identifying the fifth selection.

In some embodiments, the first game entry is separately received fromthe second game entry, the second game entry is separately received fromthe third game entry, the third game entry is separately received fromthe fourth game entry, and the fourth game entry is separately receivedfrom the fifth game entry.

In some embodiments, the first drawing event is conducted during a firsttime period, the second drawing event is conducted during a second timeperiod, the third drawing event is conducted during a third time period,the fourth drawing event is conducted during a fourth time period, andthe fifth drawing event is conducted during a fifth time period.

In some embodiments, the exemplary method may further include a step ofelectronically recording, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor, in real-time, a plurality of drawing prizesassociated with the one winning game entry, where the plurality ofdrawing prizes includes: i) at least one first drawing prize associatedwith the at least one first winning result of the first drawing event,ii) at least one second drawing prize associated with the at least onesecond winning result of the second drawing event, iii) at least onethird drawing prize associated with the at least one third winningresult of the third drawing event, iv) at least one fourth drawing prizeassociated with the at least one fourth winning result of the fourthdrawing event, and v) at least one fifth drawing prize associated withthe at least one fifth winning result of the fifth drawing event.

In some embodiments, the exemplary method may further include a step ofelectronically determining, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor, in real-time, a single winning distribution amountbased on: i) the at least one portion of the jackpot, and ii) theplurality of drawing prizes.

In some embodiments, the single winning distribution amount is the sumof: i) the at least one portion of the jackpot, and ii) the plurality ofdrawing prizes.

In some embodiments, the R number is larger than the Q number, the Qnumber is larger than the T number, the T number is larger than the Wnumber, and the W number is larger than the Y number;

In some embodiments, the at least one first winning result of the firstdrawing event is determined based on at least one first game mode; theat least one second winning result of the second drawing event isdetermined based on at least one second game mode; the at least onethird winning result of the third drawing event is determined based onat least one third game mode; the at least one fourth winning result ofthe fourth drawing event is determined based on at least one fourth gamemode; and the at least one fifth winning result of the fifth drawingevent is determined based on at least one fifth game mode.

In some embodiments, the at least one first game mode is different fromthe at least one second game mode; the at least one second game mode isdifferent from the at least one third game mode; the at least one thirdgame mode is different from the at least one fourth game mode; and theat least one fourth game mode is different from the at least one fifthgame mode.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a specificallyprogrammed game operating computer system for conducting a game whichincludes at least components of: at least one specialized computermachine, including: a non-transient memory, electronically storingparticular computer executable program code; and at least one computerprocessor which, when executing the particular program code, becomes aspecifically programmed computer processor of the specificallyprogrammed game operating computer system that is configured to performat least the following operations: electronically receiving, via acomputer network, in real-time, game entries data representing gameentries from at least a thousand (1,000) players to participate in thegame; where at least one game entry identifies a single playing instanceof the game, where the single playing instance of the game includes: i)a first selection to participate in a first drawing event, where thefirst selection identifies R numbers from a first pool of P numbers; ii)a second selection to participate in a second drawing event, where thesecond selection identifies Q numbers from a second pool of S numbers;iii) a third selection to participate in a third drawing event, wherethe third selection identifies T numbers from a third pool of U numbers;iv) a fourth selection to participate in a fourth drawing event, wherethe fourth selection identifies W numbers from a fourth pool of Xnumbers; and v) a fifth selection to participate in a fifth drawingevent, where the fifth selection identifies Y numbers from a fifth poolof Z numbers; electronically determining, in real-time, based on atleast one game mode, a plurality of winning results which include: i) atleast one first winning result of the first drawing event, ii) at leastone second winning result of the second drawing event, iii) at least onethird winning result of the third drawing event, iv) at least one fourthwinning result of the fourth drawing event, and v) at least one fifthwinning result of the fifth drawing event; electronically determining,in real-time, at least one winning game entry from the game entriesdata, where the at least one winning game entry is a particular gameentry in which: i) the first selection matches the at least one firstwinning result of the first drawing event, ii) the second selectionmatches the at least one second winning result of the second drawingevent, iii) the third selection matches the at least one third winningresult of the third drawing event, iv) the fourth selection matches theat least one fourth winning result of the fourth drawing event, and v)the fifth selection matches the at least one fifth winning result of thefifth drawing event; and electronically recording, in real-time, atleast one portion of a jackpot to be distributed to a particular playerassociated with the at least one winning game entry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate certain exemplary computer architecture inaccordance with some principles of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5-9B illustrate certain aspects of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, andnot restrictive.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in someembodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in anotherembodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”.

Furthermore, the term “player” is equivalent to the term “players” andboth terms can be used alternatively without changing the meaning of thesentence, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; similarly, theterms “winner” and “winners” are interchangeable, unless otherwiseindicated.

It is understood that at least one aspect/functionality of variousembodiments described herein can be performed in real-time and/ordynamically. As used herein, the term “real-time” is directed to anevent/action that can occur instantaneously or almost instantaneously intime when another event/action has occurred. In some embodiments, theterms “instantaneous,” “instantaneously,” “instantly,” and “in realtime” refer to a condition where a time difference between a first timewhen a search request is transmitted and a second time when a responseto the request is received is no more than 1 second. In someembodiments, the time difference between the request and the response isbetween less than 1 second and several seconds.

As used herein, the term “dynamic(ly)” means that events and/or actionscan be triggered and/or occur without any human intervention. In someembodiments, events and/or actions in accordance with the presentinvention can be in real-time and/or based on a predeterminedperiodicity of at least one of: nanosecond, several nanoseconds,millisecond, several milliseconds, second, several seconds, minute,several minutes, hourly, several hours, daily, several days, weekly,monthly, etc.

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention can include the use of electronic mobile devices (e.g.,smartphones, etc.) of players and server(s) in the distributed networkenvironment, communicating over a suitable data communication network(e.g., the Internet, etc.) and utilizing at least one suitable datacommunication protocol (e.g., IPX/SPX, X.25, AX.25, AppleTalk, TCP/IP(e.g., HTTP), etc.).

In some embodiments, an exemplary game-operating system(s) can includethe use of an electronic terminal(s), where the electronic terminal(s)can be any purpose terminal that transacts with individuals (e.g., alottery terminal, a gaming terminal, a vending machine, a cashierregister, an individual's mobile device being programmed to serve, as,for example, lottery and/or gaming terminal, etc.).

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to deliver a game including: (i) a plurality ofdraw events designed to offer a multitude of winningopportunities/prizes (i.e. a set of draw events), and (ii) anopportunity to win a jackpot prize to a plurality of players (e.g.,10,000 players, 100,000 players, 1,000,000 players, 10,000,000 players,etc.), where the jackpot prize is awarded to at least one player of theplurality of players that has participated and won the top prize or asecondary prize in each draw event in the set of draw events. In someembodiments, the game is designed to promote continuous involvement ofat least a portion of the plurality of players throughout the set ofdraw events by providing each of the plurality of players with achance/opportunity to win in each draw event of the set of draw events,and awarding a jackpot prize after the last draw event of the set ofdraw events occurs.

In some embodiments, the game-operating method(s) of the presentinvention includes the following steps: identifying a set of draw events(e.g., but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. drawevents); determining a winning mode for each draw event of the set ofdraw events; conducting each draw event of the set of draw events;awarding at least one prize to at least one winner in each draw event;determining the level of a jackpot once all draw events in the set ofdraw events have been completed; awarding the jackpot if a winner ofevery draw event in the set of draw events is identified, ortransferring (i.e., not awarding) the jackpot collected to a separateset of draw events if no winner of every draw event is identified.

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) are configured todeliver at least one draw event to each player of a plurality of players(e.g., but not limited to, at least 1,000 players, at least 10,000players, at least 100,000 players, etc.) by use of a plurality ofgraphical user interfaces (GUIs) (e.g., but not limited to, at least1,000 GUIs at least 10,000 GUIs, at least 100,000 GUIs, etc.).

In some embodiments, the game is configured to conduct a set of drawevents, where the number of draw events in the set of draw events canrange from 2-10 draw events. In some embodiments, the number of drawevents of the set of draw events can range from 2-8. In someembodiments, the number of draw events of the set of draw events canrange from 2-6. In some embodiments, the number of draw events of theset of draw events can range from 2-4. In some embodiments, the numberof draw events of the set of draw events can range from 4-10. In someembodiments, the number of draw events of the set of draw events canrange from 6-10. In some embodiments, the number of draw events of theset of draw events can range from 8-10. In some embodiments, the numberof draw events of the set of draw events can range from 4-6. In someembodiments, the number of draw events of the set of draw events is 5.In some embodiments, the number of draw events in the set of draw eventsis determined prior to the start of the first draw event. In someembodiments, the number of draw events included in the set of drawevents is identified after the start of the first draw event. In someembodiments, the number of the draw events in a set of draw events mayvary depending on the needs of the local market in which the game isdeployed, but may be kept in a level that will ensure both an attractivejackpot prize as well as the continuous engagement of the players.

In some embodiments, each draw event is conducted independently (See,FIG. 8B). In some embodiments, a result of a draw event, e.g., a seconddraw event, depends on the results of a previous draw event, e.g., afirst draw event. In some embodiments, the draw event includes thegeneration of a winning result specific to at least one player. In someother embodiments, the draw event includes the generation of a winningresult specific to a subtotal of the participating players. In someother embodiments, the draw event includes the generation of a winningresult for all participating players.

In some embodiments, the game-operating systems(s) of the presentinvention are configured to prompt the player to purchase at least oneentry for each draw event included in a set of draw events, wherepurchasing at least one entry for the set of draw events allows theplayer to be eligible for the jackpot. In some embodiments, thegame-operating system allows a player to purchase an individual entryfor each draw event of the set of draw events (i.e., instead ofpurchasing one entry for all the draw events included in the set of drawevents). In some embodiments, the player is required to purchase atleast one entry for each draw event in a set of draw events prior toconducting the first draw event in order to be eligible to win thejackpot. In other embodiments, the player can purchase an entry for eachof the draw events in a set of draw events prior to the conduction ofeach draw event in order to be eligible for the jackpot. FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment of the game-operating system of the presentinvention, showing a jackpot winning mechanism.

In some embodiments, the cost for the set of draw events (i.e., in orderfor the player entry to be eligible for the jackpot) is equal to the sumof the costs for each draw event of the set of draw events (e.g., butnot limited to, if one entry for one draw event costs $2.00, the totalcost for the set of draw events is $10.00, in the case there are 5 drawevents; or, alternatively, if the entry cost for the draw event 1 is$1.00, draw event 2 is $2.00, draw event 3 is $3.00, draw event 4 is$4.00, and draw event 5 is $5.00, entering the set of draw events costs$15.00 for a player). In some embodiments, the cost for the set of drawevents (i.e., in order for a player's entry to be eligible for thejackpot) is higher than the sum of the costs for each draw event, andthe excess is used to fund the jackpot (e.g., but not limited to:setting the cost of the set of draw events at $20.00, but the 5 drawevents' costs are: draw event 1 costs $1.00, draw event 2 is $2.00, drawevent 3 is $3.00, draw event 4 is $4.00, and draw event 5 $5.00 whichtotal to $15.00, thus allowing for $5 to be collected to fund thejackpot). In some embodiments, the cost of the jackpot entry is lowerthan the sum of the costs for each draw event, designed in such a way soas to provide players additional value for participating in the game(e.g., but not limited to: if the entry cost for the set of draw eventsis set at $12.00, but the 5 draw events' cost is: $1.00 for the drawevent 1, $2.00 for the draw event 2, $3.00 for the draw event 3, $4.00for the draw event 4, and $5.00 for draw event 5, which total $15.00; insuch case, the difference between the actual cost for the LotteryOperator and the cost for the player may be funded by non-game relatedfunds, such as, but not limited to marketing budget, unclaimed prizes'fund, etc.).

In some embodiments, the winning mode is the same for all draw events.In some embodiments, the winning mode differs for each draw event. Insome embodiments, each prize awarded to the winner(s) determined by theresults of the draw event is defined/allocated prior to the draw event.In some embodiments, each prize awarded after each draw event isdefined/allocated following the draw event, based on, but not limitedto, the number of participating players and winners in the draw event.

In some embodiments, each draw event provides a plurality of winningopportunities (e.g., one top prize and at least one secondary prizecategory) so as to produce a plurality of winning players in each drawevent. In some embodiments, the each winning player of the plurality ofwinning players is provided with a different winning prize (e.g., butnot limited to, $20, $50, $1,000, etc.) that can depend on the prizecategory and/or the number of winning players in each prize category ofthe same draw event. In some embodiments, the at least two of thewinners of the plurality of winners are provided with an identical prize(e.g., but not limited to, $20, $50, $1,000, etc.) that can depend onthe prize category and/or the number of winning players in each prizecategory of the same draw event.

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is/are configured to allow a player to participate in everydraw event of a set of draw events (e.g., but not limited to, all 5 drawevents in a set of 5 draw events), where the player(s) is provided withan opportunity to win in each draw event of the set of draw events, andthe player(s) who wins in each draw event of the set of draw events, isqualified to win all or a portion (e.g., but not limited to, 10%, 20%,33%, 50%, 100%, etc.) of the jackpot.

In some embodiments, the jackpot is awarded after all draw events in theset of draw events have occurred, and at least one player has a winningticket, where the winning ticket includes results indicating that theplayer won in each draw event of the set of draw events. In someembodiments, the jackpot is awarded when a player is identified as awinner in a sub-group of the set of draw events (e.g., if the game isdesigned with 5 draw events, and the assigned sub-group of the drawevents eligible for the jackpot include draw events 1 through 3, and aplayer wins in the draw events 1, 2 and 3, then that winner will beidentified and awarded the jackpot according to the embodiment herein).In some embodiments, the draw events are conducted until at least onejackpot winner is identified based on the predetermined criteria (i.e.having won a prize in each of the draw events in the set of drawevents).

In some embodiments, the game-operating system presents the jackpot toat least one player having a ticket with a winning result in each of thedraw events in the set of draw events. In some embodiments, the winningticket can include at least a partial match of winning numbers (e.g.,but not limited to, 3 out of 6 winning numbers, 4 out of 6 winningnumbers, 5 out of 6 winning numbers thus resulting in the game-operatingsystem awarding a secondary prize).

In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the present inventionis configured to award the jackpot to at least one player (e.g., but notlimited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. players, depending onthe number of players who successfully meet the jackpot winningcriteria) with the highest number and difficulty level of winningresults in the set of draw events. In some embodiments, difficultylevels are determined based on, but not limited to, the amount ofnumbers drawn in each draw event, the amount of total numbers availablein each draw event, and the amount of numbers the player successfullymatches with the ones drawn in each draw event. In an exemplaryembodiment, the jackpot can be awarded to the player who won the topprize in, e.g., 4 out of the 5 draw events, and will not be awarded tothe player(s) who won secondary prize(s) in, e.g., 4 out of the 5 drawevents. In some embodiments, all winners of an equal number of draws areawarded substantially the same or a proportional fraction of thejackpot, depending on the difficulty level of the draw events (e.g., butnot limited to, if difficulty levels are identified in a range of 1-5,with 5 being the most difficult, then a player winning at difficultylevel 3 will receive, e.g., 33% of the jackpot fraction and the playerwinning at difficulty level 5 will receive, e.g., 66% of the jackpotfraction).

In some embodiments, the present invention refers to a new lottery game.In some embodiments, the present invention refers to amodification/enhancement of an existing game, and/or the combination ofat least two existing games into a single game offering, with thenecessary modifications.

In some embodiments, the game is configured to deliver a story-type drawpresentation related to the set of draw events to the plurality ofplayers. In some other embodiments, the game-operating system isconfigured to deliver the game's draw results in the same manner as theother Lottery games in the market where the game is introduced (e.g.,but not limited to, simple number draw presentation).

FIGS. 8A-8C are embodiments of the game-operating systems of the presentinvention, illustrating: (8A) a ticket eligible for 5 draw events (i.e.,a set of draw events), thus qualified for a jackpot participation; (8B)a ticket for a single draw event; and (8C) a playslip, where theplayer(s) can make their own selections regarding their participation inthe game.

Example: Pre-Launch Configuration Mode

In an exemplary embodiment, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to provide a Lottery operator selections fordetermining the following game parameters:

(1) The Play Style

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to allow the Lottery Operator to select a gamemode, where the game mode may be the same for each draw, or vary indifficulty (e.g., increasing or decreasing difficulty as the set of drawevents progresses). In an exemplary embodiment, the game mode selectedcould be a lotto 6/49 game, where the player will have to select 6numbers out of a pool of 49, and match at least 2 numbers drawn during aseries of 5 draw events in order to win the jackpot.

(2) The Winning Mode

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to select a winning mode, where the winning modemay be different or the same for the number of draw events of the set ofdraw events. In some embodiments, the wining mode may include aplurality of winning categories and/or prizes, which can be the same ordiffer for the number of draw events. In some embodiments, prizes inconnection with each draw event may be: (i) fixed/predetermined, thusknown to the players in advance, or (ii) pooled, thus dependent on thesales of the draw event(s) and/or set of draw events.

(3) Price Per Draw and Jackpot Participation

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to assign the same cost for the participation ineach of the draw events of a set of draw events. In some otherembodiments, the game-operating system(s) is configured to assigndifferent costs for the participation in each of the draw events of aset of draw events. In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s)can receive a plurality of payments for the jackpot participation, wherethe plurality of payments could be equal, higher, or lower to the sum ofthe cost of individual draw events of the set of draw events. In someembodiments, the game-operating system is configured to receive an inputregarding the parameters of lottery payment from the Lottery Operator.

(4) The Number and Frequency of Draw Events

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to include at least 2 draw events, where the atleast 2 draw events are designed to maintain/motivate a plurality ofplayers so as to not lose interest over the duration of the set of drawevents, which could last, e.g., but not limited to, a year, a month, aweek, or more often (i.e. instantly, specific to a single player), asprogrammed by the Lottery Operator.

(5) Jackpot Participation and Win

In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to allow players to be eligible for the jackpotby: (a) purchasing a ticket eligible for all draw events prior to thebeginning of the set of draw events, and/or (b) participating in anon-going basis, purchasing entries for each draw separately, dependingon the previous draw results. In other embodiments, the game-operatingsystem(s) is configured to allow players to be eligible for the jackpotonly in the case they purchase a ticket for all draw events prior to theinitiation of the set of draw events (i.e. not in the case ofparticipating in an on-going basis, purchasing entries for each drawseparately, depending on the previous draw results). In someembodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the present invention isconfigured to award a jackpot to a winner(s) having won in each drawevent of the set of draw events, in addition to or instead of the singledraw prizes awarded in each draw event of the set of draw events.

(6) Jackpot Fund

In some embodiments, the jackpot can be funded by: (a) withholding aportion of the price paid by each participating player per draw eventand directing the withheld portion to the jackpot fund, thus funding thejackpot with the contribution of all players; (b) establishing the pricefor jackpot participation higher than the sum of the cost of individualdraw events, thus funding the jackpot specifically from the jackpotplayers' participation; (c) utilizing funds from other sources ofrevenue (e.g., but not limited to, external sources which can include,e.g., transferring funds from other games, utilizing the LotteryOperator prize fund, obtaining a promotional budget, utilizing theunclaimed prizes' fund, etc., or any combination thereof), or anycombination thereof. FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate some embodiments of thegame-operating system of the present invention. FIG. 6A illustrates anembodiment, depicting a game mode designed to offer high jackpots. FIG.6B illustrates an embodiment, depicting a game mode designed to putemphasis on the individual draw event prizes.

(7) Draw Method

In some embodiments, the game-operating method(s) of the presentinvention include: (a) RNG (random number generator), so as to randomlydraw game indicia out of: (i) all possible combinations of game indicia,or (ii) a subtotal of all possible combinations of game indicia, whichsubtotal can be pre-determined in the game-operating system or designedto depend on the game sales, thus effectively increasing or decreasingthe number of winners of each draw event of a set of draw events, or (b)traditional drawing machine, or (c) any combination thereof.

(8) Draw Presentation

In some embodiments, the game-operating systems(s) of the presentinvention is configured to include an interesting motif representativeof the game's objective, such as, but not limited to, a labyrinth,leaderboard, road, target, etc. In other embodiments, the game-operatingsystem(s) is configured to utilize similar draw presentation as theother Lottery games in the same market.

(9) Enhancement Options

In some embodiments, the game-operating systems(s) of the presentinvention is configured to include at least one enhancement option(s) atany time of the game, e.g., but not limited to, during the game launch,where the at least one enhancement option(s) is configured to attract aspecific player demographic (e.g., but not limited to, 35-50 year oldindividuals). In some embodiments, the at least one enhancementoption(s) is configured to incentivize player(s) at later stages of thegame, e.g., when the game reaches a specified level of maturity asmeasured by sales and/or participation levels, which can occur after 2-3years in operation, to reward loyal players and/or make the gameappealing to a new player group. In some embodiments, the gameenhancements can include, but are not limited to: (a) the draw of aBonus ball, offering “One Extra free number for that day”, (b) a Luckysymbol in order to provide players “one winning number until the end ofthe set of draw events”, (c) a Door symbol presenting a “free entry forthe next day”, (d) consolidation prizes based on the winning string ofthe players, e.g., but not limited to, a special jackpot draw at the endof the year for the players having accumulated the highest number ofwinning draw events without winning a jackpot, etc., or (e) anycombination thereof.

(10) The Sales Network for Accessing the Game

In some embodiments, the game-operating systems(s) of the presentinvention are configured to be distributed through all available Lotterydistribution channels (i.e. land-based network, internet, mobile, etc.)with the appropriate diversification of delivery methods to best suitthe selected channel. In some embodiments, the Mobile platform isconfigured to offer the opportunity for creative presentations of thegame, the draw event, the different bonus schemes applied, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the animations and/or themodern design of the game are designed to increase player enjoyment.

Example of Player Participation in the Game

(1) The game-operating systems(s) of the present invention is configuredto dispense a ticket to the player once they purchase an entry to thegame, where the ticket indicates the number of draw events input by theplayer, where the input of draw events can be either (a) a single drawparticipation or (b) participation in the full set of draw events, wheresuch participation is eligible for the jackpot. In some embodiments, theplayer can select their number combination(s) for all or a subtotal ofthe selected number of draw events. In some embodiments, the systemrandomly picks the numbers for the player for all or a subtotal of theselected number of draw events. In some embodiments, when the systemreceives an input from a player who participates in a single draw, thesystem is configured to allow a player to only be eligible to win aprize in connection with the single draw event selected, and the systemdoes not allow the player to participate for the jackpot. FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the game-operating system asdescribed herein.

(2) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct the number of draw eventspredetermined in the time frame designed. In a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the system is configured to provide 5 draw events having oneday intervals (for a total of 5 days). In some embodiments, thegame-operating system is configured to generate a predetermined amountof winning numbers for each draw event of the set of draw events.

(3) In some embodiments, based on the results of each draw, the drawwinners and assigned prizes are determined. In some embodiments, thegame-operating system of the present invention is configured to identifya plurality of players that match at least one designated amount ofwinning numbers in a single draw are awarded the assigned prizes.

(4) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to identify the player or plurality of playerswho “pass through” all draw events of the set of draw events (i.e. bywinning a prize in each of the available draw events) and awards to theplayer(s) the jackpot prize assigned after the last draw event (e.g.,after the 5^(th) draw event in the case of a set of 5 draw events). Insome embodiments, when no jackpot winner is identified by thegame-operating system of the present invention, the game-operatingsystem is configured to add the collected jackpot to a subsequent set ofdraw events (i.e. jackpot roll-over for the next set of draw events),increasing the size and attractiveness of the jackpot.

Indicative Game Mode 1 (Different Game Modes Per Draw Event)

(1) In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to allow a plurality of players to purchase ajackpot ticket, by, e.g., but not limited to, (a) receiving selectednumbers from at least one player of a plurality of players, or (b)randomly selecting numbers to provide to at least one player of aplurality of players, and providing to each player a ticket which baresnumber combinations equal to the number of draw events required forbeing eligible for a jackpot prize, e.g., but not limited to, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, etc. In some embodiments, in each draw, the game-operating systemof the present invention is configured to allow a player to participatewith a different number combination selected from a different pool ofnumbers, specific to each draw event. In an exemplary embodiment, thegame-operating system(s) of the present invention is configured to allowa player to purchase a ticket for only one draw event, and, in thisexample, the player is eligible for the prizes in connection with thisplayer-selected draw event, and the player is not eligible for thejackpot.

(2) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct the 1^(st) draw event, e.g. drawingof 24 numbers out of the 100 available numbers.

(3) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to identify a winning player(s), where thewinning player(s) matches, e.g., but not limited to, 10 numbers in orderto win the top prize of the draw event, or, e.g., but not limited to, 9,8, 7, 6, or 5 numbers to win a secondary prize(s). In some embodiments,the game-operating system of the present invention is configured toaward a prize(s) to a player(s) having matched the assigned amount ofnumber, e.g., number matches of 5-10 numbers, and allows the awardedplayer(s) to be eligible to win a jackpot. In some embodiments, thegame-operating system can award at least one prize in later draw eventsto a player who receives a non-winning result in this draw event andthus misses the opportunity to win the jackpot. In some embodiments, theplayer's participation ends if the player has selected to participateonly in this single draw event (i.e. the player has purchased an entryfor this draw event only).

(4) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct a second draw event, e.g., drawing of16 numbers out of the 80 available numbers.

(5) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 8 numbers, and (ii) a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 7, 6, 5 or 4 numbers. In some embodiments, whena player wins any of the prizes (e.g., a top prize or a secondaryprize), the player collects that prize. In some embodiments, when aplayer(s) has won in both of the conducted draw events (i.e., the firstdraw event and the second draw event), the player(s) is eligible to wina jackpot. In some embodiments, the game-operating system can award atleast one prize in later draw events to a player who receives anon-winning result in this draw event and thus misses the opportunity towin the jackpot. In some embodiments, the player's participation ends ifthe player has selected to participate only in this single draw event(i.e. the player has purchased an entry for this draw event only).

(6) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct a third draw event, e.g., drawing of10 numbers out of the 60 available numbers.

(7) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 6 numbers, and (ii) a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 5, 4 or 3 numbers. In some embodiments, when aplayer(s) has won in all three of the conducted draw events (i.e., thefirst draw event, the second draw event, and the third draw event), theplayer(s) is eligible to win a jackpot. In some embodiments, thegame-operating system can award at least one prize in later draw eventsto a player who receives a non-winning result in this draw event andthus misses the opportunity to win the jackpot. In some embodiments, theplayer's participation ends if the player has selected to participateonly in this single draw event (i.e. the player has purchased an entryfor this draw event only).

(8) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct a fourth draw event, e.g. drawing of5 numbers out of the 40 available numbers.

(9) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 3 numbers, and (ii) a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 2 numbers. In some embodiments, when aplayer(s) has won in all four of the conducted draw events (i.e., thefirst, second, third, and fourth draw events) the player(s) is eligibleto win a jackpot. In some embodiments, the game-operating system canaward at least one prize in later draw events to a player who receives anon-winning result in this draw event and thus misses the opportunity towin the jackpot. In some embodiments, the player's participation ends ifthe player has selected to participate only in this single draw event(i.e. the player has purchased an entry for this draw event only).

(10) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct the fifth and last draw event forthis indicative example, e.g., drawing of 1 number out of the 20available numbers.

(11) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched the 1 number drawn. In some embodiments, theplayer is awarded the prize, and if he has won in all five of theconducted draw events, the player is awarded the jackpot or a portion ofthe jackpot collected in the case of more than one eligible winner.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the game-operating system of thepresent invention as described in the paragraphs above.

Indicative Game Mode 2 (Single Game Mode)

(1) In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to allow a plurality of players to purchase ajackpot ticket, by, e.g., but not limited to, (a) receiving selectednumbers from at least one player of a plurality of players, or (b)randomly selecting numbers to provide to at least one player of aplurality of players, and providing to each player a ticket which baresa single number combination eligible for the number of draw eventsrequired for being eligible for the jackpot prize, e.g., but not limitedto, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. In each draw, the player participates with theassigned number combination. In an exemplary embodiment, thegame-operating system(s) of the present invention is configured to allowa player to purchase a ticket for only one draw event, and, in thisexample, the player is eligible for the prizes in connection with theselected draw event, and the player is not eligible for the jackpot.

(2) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct the 1^(st) draw event, e.g., drawingof 5 numbers out of the 50 available numbers.

(3) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to identify a winning player(s), where thewinning player(s) matches, e.g., but not limited to, at least one numberin order to win a prize for the draw event. In some embodiments, if theplayer wins a prize, he collects it, and is eligible to win the jackpot.In some embodiments, the game-operating system can award at least oneprize in later draw events to a player who receives a non-winning resultin this draw event and thus misses the opportunity to win the jackpot.In some embodiments, the player's participation ends if the player hasselected to participate only in this single draw event (i.e. the playerhas purchased an entry for this draw event only).

(4) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct a second draw event, e.g., drawing ofa new set of 5 numbers out of the 50 available numbers.

(5) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award a prize(s) to the player(s) havingmatched at least 2 numbers in the draw event. In some embodiments, whena player wins a prize, the player collects this prize. In someembodiments, when a player(s) has won in both of the conducted drawevents (i.e., the first draw event and the second draw event) theplayer(s) is eligible to win a jackpot. In some embodiments, thegame-operating system can award at least one prize in later draw eventsto a player who receives a non-winning result in this draw event andthus misses the opportunity to win the jackpot. In some embodiments, theplayer's participation ends if the player has selected to participateonly in this single draw event (i.e. the player has purchased an entryfor this draw event only).

(6) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct a third draw event, e.g., drawing ofa new set of 5 numbers out of the 50 available numbers.

(7) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 3 numbers, and (ii) a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 2 numbers. In some embodiments, when a playerwins any of the prizes, the player collects that prize. In someembodiments, when a player(s) has won in all three of the conducted drawevents (i.e., the first draw event, the second draw event, and the thirddraw event) the player(s) is eligible to win a jackpot. In someembodiments, the game-operating system can award at least one prize inlater draw events to a player who receives a non-winning result in thisdraw event and thus misses the opportunity to win the jackpot. In someembodiments, the player's participation ends if the player has selectedto participate only in this single draw event (i.e. the player haspurchased an entry for this draw event only).

(8) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct a fourth draw event, e.g., drawing ofa new set of 5 numbers out of the 50 available numbers.

(9) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 4 numbers, and (ii) a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 3 or 2 numbers. In some embodiments, if theplayer wins any of the prizes, the player collects that prize. In someembodiments, when a player(s) has won in all four of the conducted drawevents (i.e., the first, second, third, and fourth draw events) theplayer(s) is eligible to win a jackpot. In some embodiments, thegame-operating system can award at least one prize in the later drawevent to a player who receives a non-winning result in this draw eventand thus misses the opportunity to win the jackpot. In some embodiments,the player's participation ends if the player has selected toparticipate only in this single draw event (i.e. the player haspurchased an entry for this draw event only).

(10) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to conduct the fifth and last draw for thisindicative example, e.g., drawing of a new set of 5 numbers out of the50 available.

(11) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 5 numbers, and (ii) a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 4, 3 or 2 numbers. In some embodiments, theplayer is awarded a prize, the player collects that prize, and if theplayer has won in all five of the conducted draw events, the player isawarded the jackpot.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the game-operating system of thepresent invention as described in the paragraphs above.

In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the present inventionmay be configures to exclude the number(s) previously drawn in theearlier draw events of the set of draw events, such that, e.g., the drawsequence will be: (i) 1^(st) draw event: one number drawn out of 50available numbers; (ii) 2^(nd) draw event: two numbers drawn out of thepool of the 49 remaining numbers after the previously drawn 1 number inthe first draw event; (iii) 3^(rd) draw event: three numbers drawn outof the pool of the 47 remaining numbers after the first two draw events(1 number drawn in the first, and 2 numbers drawn in the second drawevent); (iv) 4^(th) draw event: four numbers drawn out of the pool ofthe 44 numbers remaining after the first three draw events (1 numberdrawn in the first, 2 numbers drawn in the second, and 3 numbers drawnin the third draw event); (v) 5^(th) draw event: five numbers drawn outof the pool of the 40 numbers remaining after the first four draw events(1 numbers drawn in the first, 2 numbers drawn in the second, 3 numbersdrawn in the third, and 4 numbers drawn in the fourth draw event). Thisexemplary embodiment of the game-operating system of the presentinvention results in improved odds of winning thus more winners aregenerated in each draw event of the set of draw events as well as forthe jackpot.

Indicative Game Mode 3 (Always a Winner)

(1) In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to allow a plurality of players to purchase ajackpot ticket, by, e.g., but not limited to, (a) receiving selectednumbers from at least one player of a plurality of players, or (b)randomly selecting numbers to provide to at least one player of aplurality of players, and providing to each player a ticket which baresnumber combinations equal to the number of draw events required forbeing eligible for the jackpot, e.g., but not limited to, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,etc. In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to allow a player to purchase a ticket for onlyone draw event, in which case, the player is eligible to win a prize inconnection with this selected draw event only, and the player is noteligible for the jackpot. In some embodiments, the player canparticipate for the jackpot by purchasing on-the-go entries for each ofthe available draw events in a set of draw events. In some embodiments,where a player individually purchases an entry for each draw event of aset of draw events and wins in each individually purchased draw evententry, the player is eligible to win the jackpot or a fraction of thejackpot at the end of the set of draw events.

(2) In some embodiments, the game-operating system(s) of the presentinvention is configured to award a jackpot to a player(s) who has won ina set of draw events (e.g., but not limited to, a set of 5 draw events).In some embodiments, the game-operating system is configured to conductdraw events until a jackpot winner is found (i.e. a player(s) wins inthe specified number of draw events; e.g., but not limited, at least oneplayer wins in 5 draw events, whether consecutive or non-consecutive).

In an exemplary embodiment, each draw event result can be independentand can result in the selection of an equal amount of numbers drawn outof similar pool of numbers (e.g. but not limited to, 6 numbers can bedrawn out of a pool of 49 numbers for each draw event).

(3) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention is configured to award (i) a top prize(s) of the draw event toa player(s) having matched 6 numbers, and a secondary prize(s) to aplayer(s) having matched 5, 4, or 3 numbers. In some embodiments, when aplayer(s) has won in the required number of conducted draw events (e.g.,but not limited to, 5 draw events), the player(s) is eligible to win ajackpot. In some embodiments, the game-operating system can award atleast one prize in later draw events to a player who receives anon-winning result in a single draw event and thus misses theopportunity to win the jackpot. In some embodiments, the player'sparticipation ends if the player has selected to participate only inthis single draw event (i.e. the player has purchased an entry for thisdraw event only).

(4) In some embodiments, the game-operating system of the presentinvention continues to conduct draws until a jackpot winner (e.g., butnot limited to, a winner of 5 draws) is identified. In some embodiments,the number of draw events required to find a jackpot winner coulddetermine the level of the jackpot won, either lowering the jackpotprize each time the jackpot is not won after the fifth draw event, orincreasing the jackpot proportionately to ticket sales (e.g., in aneffort to attract more players).

The following exemplary embodiments are provided to further illustratethe game-operating system of the present invention.

Example 1: Jackpot Vs Single Participation

As an example of an embodiment of the game-operating system of thepresent invention, John, Robert and Mary participate in a gameindependently. In this exemplary embodiment, the game is designed with aset of 5 draw events, participation in each is priced at $1. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first draw event includes drawing 24 numbersout of a pool of 100 available, the second drawing 16 numbers out of apool of 80, the third drawing 10 numbers out of 60, the fourth drawing 5numbers out of 40, and the fifth drawing a single number out of 20available (as presented in the FIG. 6A).

John and Robert purchase a ticket eligible for the set of 5 draw events,while Mary participates with a single draw ticket. In this case, onlyJohn and Robert are eligible for the jackpot, while Mary can onlyreceive the potential winnings from the single draw event in which sheparticipates.

In this indicative example, the inventive computer-operating systemgenerates and delivers a ticket to John and a ticket to Robert, wherethe tickets each contain 5 different number combinations, each eligiblefor a single draw event [one containing 10 randomly drawn numbers out ofa pool of 100 (10/100), one containing 8 numbers out of a pool of 80(8/80), one with 6 numbers drawn out of 60 (6/60), one with 3 numbersout of 40 (3/40), and one with a single number out of 20 available(1/20), as per the game rules], and they pay $5 in total—$1 for eachnumber combination they participate with. Mary pays $1 and receives onerandomly selected number combination of 10 numbers out of the 100possible, eligible for the 1^(st) draw event.

During the first draw event, 24 numbers are drawn out of a pool of 100numbers. All three, John, Robert and Mary, check their tickets for apotential winning combination. In the indicative example, they need tomatch 10 numbers in order to win the top prize for the draw event, and9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 numbers to win any of the secondary prizes. For theneeds of this example, John matches 7 numbers and wins $30, Robertmatches only 2 numbers and thus receives no prize (based on the winningmode of the examined game), and Mary matches 6 numbers and wins $5. Inthis case, John is still in the run for the jackpot, while Robert,although he misses the opportunity to win the jackpot (i.e. he failed towin a prize in this draw event), can still win a prize in the followingdraw events. Mary's participation in the game has ended, unless sheselects to purchase a ticket for the next draw event as a singleparticipation.

The system conducts the second draw event, drawing 16 numbers out of the80 available. John and Robert check their tickets for a potentialwinning combination. In the indicative example, they need to match 8numbers in order to win the top prize for the draw event, and 7, 6, 5 or4 numbers to win any of the secondary prizes. For the needs of theexample, John matches 7 numbers and wins $5,000 (i.e. he is stilleligible for the jackpot after 2 successful draw events), and Robertmatches 8 numbers and wins $100,000. Mary is not participating in thisdraw event (i.e. she has not purchased an entry).

The third draw event produces 10 numbers out of the 60 available. In theindicative example, the players need to match 6 numbers in order to winthe top prize assigned to the draw event, and 5, 4 or 3 numbers to winany of the secondary prizes. For the needs of the example, John matches5 numbers and wins $500 (i.e. he is still eligible for the jackpot after3 successful draw events), and Robert does not match any number, thusreceives no prize. Mary is not participating in this draw (i.e. she hasnot purchased an entry).

Before the 4^(th) draw event, Mary decides to re-enter the game, andpurchases a single-draw ticket for the upcoming draw event that costs $1and contains 3 numbers out of 40 (3/40). With this participation, Maryis eligible for the prizes of the 4^(th) draw event (i.e. the one shepurchases an entry for), but not for the jackpot.

The fourth draw event produces 5 numbers out of the 40 available. Theplayers need to match 3 numbers in order to win the top prize for thedraw event, and 2 numbers to win the secondary prize. John and Marymatch 3 numbers and receive $400 each (only John is eligible for thejackpot, due to his win in 4 draw events), and Robert matches 1 numberand does not receive a prize.

The system conducts the fifth and final draw event for this indicativeexample, drawing 1 number out of the 20 available. The players need tomatch 1 number in order to win the prize for the draw event. For theneeds of this example, both John and Robert have matched the drawnnumber thus win $10 each. In addition to his winnings from the fifthdraw event, John, having won a prize in all 5 draw events, receives thejackpot collected for this set of 5 draw events. Mary is notparticipating in this draw event (i.e. she has not purchased an entry).

In the end of this set of 5 draw events:

-   -   John has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e. $1        for each draw event), and has won $5,940 (i.e. $30 in the 1^(st)        draw event, $5,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event, $500 in the 3^(rd)        draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw event, and $10 in the 5^(th)        draw event) as well as the available jackpot,    -   Robert has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e.        $1 for each draw event), and has won $100,010 (i.e. $0 in the        1^(st) draw event, $100,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event, $0 in the        3^(rd) draw event, $0 in the 4^(th) draw event, and $10 in the        5^(th) draw event). He is not eligible for the jackpot because        he lost in the first draw event, and    -   Mary has participated in 2 draw events (i.e. 1^(st) and 4^(th)),        has paid $2 (i.e. $1 for each participating draw) and has won        $405 (i.e. $5 in the 1^(st) draw event, and $400 in the 4^(th)        draw event).

Example 2: Multi-Draw Versus Single Draw Participation

As an example of a single embodiment of the present invention, letassume that Oliver, Emily and Michael decide to participate in the gameindependently. In this exemplary embodiment, the game is designed with aset of 5 draw events, participation in each is priced at $1. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first draw event includes drawing 24 numbersout of a pool of 100 available, the second drawing 16 numbers out of apool of 80, the third drawing 10 numbers out of 60, the fourth drawing 5numbers out of 40, and the fifth drawing a single number out of 20available (as presented in the FIG. 6A).

Oliver decides to purchase a ticket eligible for the set of 5 drawevents, while Emily and Michael both participate with a single drawticket. In this case only Oliver will be eligible for the jackpot, whileEmily and Michael will only receive the potential winnings from thesingle draw event they participate in.

In this indicative example, Oliver receives a ticket containing 5different number combinations, each combination eligible for eachparticipating draw event [one containing 10 randomly drawn numbers outof a pool of 100 (10/100), one containing 8 numbers out of a pool of 80(8/80), one with 6 numbers drawn out of 60 (6/60), one with 3 numbersout of 40 (3/40), and one with a single number out of 20 possible(1/20)], and pays $5 in total—$1 for each number combination heparticipates with. Emily and Michael pay $1 and each receives a randomlyselected number combination of 10 numbers out of the 100 possible,eligible for the 1^(st) draw event.

During the first draw event, 24 numbers are drawn out of a pool of 100numbers. All three, Oliver, Emily and Michael, check their tickets for apotential winning combination. In the indicative example, they need tomatch 10 numbers in order to win the top prize for the draw event, and9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 numbers to win any of the secondary prizes. For theneeds of this example, it is assumed that Oliver and Emily match 7numbers and win $30 each, and Michael matches 8 numbers and wins $2,000.In this case, Oliver is still eligible for the jackpot. Both Emily's andMichael's participation in the game has ended; however they decide topurchase a single participation for the next draw event, thus they payan additional $1 to receive a ticket containing an entry of 8 numbers,randomly selected out of the 80 available.

The system conducts the second draw event, drawing 16 numbers out of the80 available. Oliver, Emily and Michael check their tickets for apotential winning combination. In the indicative example, they need tomatch 8 numbers in order to win the top prize for the draw event, and 7,6, 5 or 4 numbers to win any of the secondary prizes. For the needs ofthe example, Oliver matches 7 numbers and wins $5,000 (i.e. he is stilleligible for the jackpot after 2 successful draw events), Emily matches1 number and thus does not receive a prize, and Michael matches 8numbers and wins $100,000. Emily's and Michael's participation in thegame has ended; however, Michael decides to purchase a singleparticipation for the next draw event, thus he pays an additional $1 toreceive a ticket containing an entry of 6 numbers, randomly selected outof the 60 available.

The third draw event produces 10 numbers out of the 60 available. In theindicative example, the players need to match 6 numbers in order to winthe top prize for the draw event, and 5, 4 or 3 numbers to win any ofthe secondary prizes. For the needs of the example, Oliver matches 5numbers and wins $500 (i.e. he is still eligible for the jackpot after 3successful draw events), and Michael matches 6 numbers, thus receives$50,000. Emily does not participate in this draw event because she hasnot purchased an entry. Michael's participation in the game has ended;however he decides to purchase a single participation for the next drawevent, thus he pays an additional $1 to receive a ticket containing anentry of 5 numbers, randomly selected out of the 40 available.

The fourth draw event produces 5 numbers out of the 40 available. Theplayers need to match 3 numbers in order to win the top prize for thedraw event, and 2 numbers to win the secondary prize. Oliver and Michaelmatch 3 numbers and receive $400 each (only Oliver is eligible for thejackpot, due to his win in 4 draw events). Michael's participation inthe game has ended; however, he decides to purchase again a singleparticipation for the next draw event, thus he pays an additional $1 toreceive a ticket containing an entry of 1 number, randomly selected outof the 20 available.

The system conducts the fifth and final draw event for this indicativeexample, drawing 1 number out of the 20 available. The players need tomatch 1 number in order to win the prize for the draw event. For theneeds of this example, both Oliver and Michael have matched the drawnnumber and win $10 each. In addition to his winnings from the fifthdraw, Oliver, having won a prize in all 5 draw events and havingpurchased a ticket for the set of 5 draw events, receives the jackpotcollected for this set of 5 draw events. Michael, although he also won aprize in all draw events, did not purchase a participation for the setof 5 draw events prior to the start of the first draw event available,thus he does not qualify for a share of the jackpot.

In the end of this set of 5 draw events:

-   -   Oliver has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e.        $1 for each draw event), and has won $5,940 (i.e. $30 in the        1^(st) draw event, $5,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event, $500 in the        3^(rd) draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw event, and $10 in the        5^(th) draw event), as well as the jackpot,    -   Emily has participated in the first 2 draw events, has paid $2        (i.e. $1 for each draw event), and has won $30 (i.e. $30 in the        1^(st) draw event, and $0 in the 2^(nd) draw event), and    -   Michael has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e.        $1 for each draw event), and has won $152,410 (i.e. $2,000 in        the 1^(st) draw event, $100,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event,        $50,000 in the 3^(rd) draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw event,        and $10 in the 5^(th) draw event).

Please note that this is an exemplary embodiment of the planned methodof implementation, and is designed with the intention to direct playersto purchase their participation in the entire set of 5 draw events priorto the start of the set of 5 draw events, in contrast to waiting for thewinning results of each draw event in order to decide whether toparticipate in the next one. In another example, the game design couldallow the draw-by-draw participation of the player to be eligible forthe jackpot, in which case in the previously examined example bothplayers (i.e. Oliver and Michael who participated in all 5 draw events)would share the jackpot in equal shares and/or any combination of sharesdesigned in the game-operating system (e.g., but not limited to,awarding higher portion of the available jackpot to the players whopurchase an entry to the entire set of 5 draw events than the playerswho purchase a series of 5 single draw event entries).

Example 3: 2 Players Share the Jackpot

As an example of a single embodiment of the present invention, letassume that James and Patricia decide to participate in the gameindependently. In this exemplary embodiment, the game is designed with aset of 5 draw events, participation in each is priced at $1. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first draw event includes drawing 24 numbersout of a pool of 100 available, the second drawing 16 numbers out of apool of 80, the third drawing 10 numbers out of 60, the fourth drawing 5numbers out of 40, and the fifth drawing a single number out of 20available (as presented in the FIG. 6A).

Both James and Patricia decide to purchase a ticket for the set of 5draw events, thus they are both eligible for the jackpot, in addition tothe prizes in each individual draw event. In this indicative example,they will each receive a ticket containing 5 different numbercombinations, each for a single draw event [one containing 10 randomlydrawn numbers out of a pool of 100 (10/100), one containing 8 numbersout of a pool of 80 (8/80), one with 6 numbers drawn out of 60 (6/60),one with 3 numbers out of 40 (3/40), and one with a single number out of20 possible (1/20)], and they pay $5 in total—$1 for each numbercombination they participate with.

During the first draw event, 24 numbers are drawn out of a pool of 100numbers. Both James and Patricia check their tickets for a potentialwinning combination. In the indicative example, they need to match 10numbers in order to win the top prize for the draw event, and 9, 8, 7,6, or 5 numbers to win any of the secondary prizes. For the needs ofthis example, James matches 7 numbers and wins $30, and Patricia matches10 numbers and wins $250,000. In this case, both players are stilleligible for the jackpot.

The system conducts the second draw event, drawing 16 numbers out of the80 available. Both players check their tickets for a potential winningcombination. In the indicative example, they need to match 8 numbers inorder to win the top prize for the draw event, and 7, 6, 5 or 4 numbersto win any of the secondary prizes. For the needs of the example, Jamesmatches 7 numbers and wins $5,000, and Patricia matches 8 numbers andwins $100,000. Both players are still eligible for the jackpot afterwinning in 2 draw events.

The third draw event produces 10 numbers out of the 60 available. In theindicative example, the players need to match 6 numbers in order to winthe top prize for the draw event, and 5, 4 or 3 numbers to win any ofthe secondary prizes. For the needs of the example, James matches 5numbers and wins $500, and Patricia matches 6 numbers and wins $50,000.Both players are still eligible for the jackpot after winning in 3 drawevents.

The fourth draw event produces 5 numbers out of the 40 available. Theplayers need to match 3 numbers in order to win the top prize for thedraw event, and 2 numbers to win the secondary prize. James and Patriciamatch 3 numbers and receive $400 each. Both players are still eligiblefor the jackpot after winning in 4 draw events.

The system conducts the fifth and final draw event for this indicativeexample, drawing 1 number out of the 20 available. The players need tomatch this number in order to win the prize for the draw event. For theneeds of this example, both James and Patricia have matched the drawnnumber and win $10 each. In addition to their winnings in the fifth drawevent, both players, having won a prize in all 5 draw events, share thejackpot assigned for this set of 5 draw events.

In the end of this set of 5 draw events:

-   -   James has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e.        $1 for each draw event), and has won $5,940 (i.e. $30 in the        1^(st) draw event, $5,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event, $500 in the        3^(rd) draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw event, and $10 in the        5^(th) draw event), as well as half of the jackpot, and    -   Patricia has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5        (i.e. $1 for each draw event), and has won $400,410 (i.e.        $250,000 in the 1^(st) draw event, $100,000 in the 2^(nd) draw        event, $50,000 in the 3^(rd) draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw        event, and $10 in the 5^(th) draw event), as well as half of the        jackpot.

Example 4: Consecutive-Linked Draws (Set of 5 Draw Events Vs ConsecutiveSets of 5 Draw Events)

As an example of a single embodiment of the present invention, letassume that George and Harry decide to participate in the gameindependently. In this exemplary embodiment, the game is designed with aset of 5 draw events, participation in each is priced at $1. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first draw event includes drawing 24 numbersout of a pool of 100 available, the second drawing 16 numbers out of apool of 80, the third drawing 10 numbers out of 60, the fourth drawing 5numbers out of 40, and the fifth drawing a single number out of 20available (as presented in the FIG. 6A).

Both George and Harry decide to purchase a ticket eligible for a set of5 draw events, thus be eligible for the jackpot, in addition to theprizes for the individual draw events. In this indicative example, thegame-operating system will dispense for each of the two players a ticketcontaining 5 different number combinations, each for a single draw event[one containing 10 randomly drawn numbers out of a pool of 100 (10/100),one containing 8 numbers out of a pool of 80 (8/80), one with 6 numbersdrawn out of 60 (6/60), one with 3 numbers out of 40 (3/40), and onewith a single number out of 20 possible (1/20)], and they pay $5 intotal—$1 for each number combination they participate with. However,Harry decides to participate in two sets of 5 draw events, thus pays anadditional $5 fee, and receives a second ticket containing 5 differentnumber combinations, each for a single draw event [one containing 10randomly drawn numbers out of a pool of 100 (10/100), one containing 8numbers out of a pool of 80 (8/80), one with 6 numbers drawn out of 60(6/60), one with 3 numbers out of 40 (3/40), and one with a singlenumber out of 20 possible (1/20)], which is eligible for the set of 5draw events configured to start after the upcoming set of 5 draw eventsends (i.e. after the fifth draw event of this set of 5 draws has beenconducted).

During the first draw event, 24 numbers are drawn out of a pool of 100numbers. Both George and Harry check their tickets for a potentialwinning combination. In the indicative example, they need to match 10numbers in order to win the top prize for the draw event, and 9, 8, 7,6, or 5 numbers to win any of the secondary prizes. For the needs ofthis example, George matches 7 numbers and wins $30, and Harry matches10 numbers and wins $250,000. In this case, both players are stilleligible for the jackpot.

The system conducts the second draw event, drawing 16 numbers out of the80 available. Both players check their tickets for a potential winningcombination. In the indicative example, they need to match 8 numbers inorder to win the top prize for the draw event, and 7, 6, 5 or 4 numbersto win any of the secondary prizes. For the needs of the example, Georgematches 7 numbers and wins $5,000, and Harry matches 8 numbers and wins$100,000. Both players are still eligible for the jackpot after winningin 2 draw events.

The third draw event produces 10 numbers out of the 60 available. In theindicative example, the players need to match 6 numbers in order to winthe top prize for the draw event, and 5, 4 or 3 numbers to win any ofthe secondary prizes. For the needs of the example, George matches 5numbers and wins $500, and Harry matches 6 numbers and wins $50,000.Both players are still eligible for the jackpot after winning in 3 drawevents.

The fourth draw event produces 5 numbers out of the 40 available. Theplayers need to match 3 numbers in order to win the top prize for thedraw event, and 2 numbers to win the secondary prize. George and Harrymatch 3 numbers and receive $400 each. Both players are still eligiblefor the jackpot after winning in 4 draw events.

The system conducts the fifth and final draw event for this indicativeexample, drawing 1 number out of the 20 available. The players need tomatch this number in order to win the prize for the draw event. For theneeds of this example, George match the drawn number and wins $10;however, Harry does not match the drawn number thus does not win a prizefor this draw event. In addition to his winnings from this draw event,George, having won a prize in all 5 draw events, wins the jackpotcollected for this set of 5 draw events. Harry, having lost in the lastdraw event, does not win any part of the jackpot.

In the end of this set of 5 draw events:

-   -   George has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e.        $1 for each draw event), and has won $5,940 (i.e. $30 in the        1^(st) draw event, $5,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event, $500 in the        3^(rd) draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw event, and $10 in the        5^(th) draw event), as well as the collected jackpot, and    -   Harry has participated in all 5 draw events, has paid $5 (i.e.        $1 for each draw event), and has won $400,400 (i.e. $250,000 in        the 1^(st) draw event, $100,000 in the 2^(nd) draw event,        $50,000 in the 3^(rd) draw event, $400 in the 4^(th) draw event,        and $0 in the 5^(th) draw event).

Harry has already secured his participation for the next set of 5 drawevents with his $5 entry ticket, whereas George needs to purchase hisentry before the 1^(st) draw of the upcoming set of 5 draw events. Eachset of 5 draw events is independent from the last, except for thejackpot roll-over in the case of no-winner in the previous set of 5 drawevents (in the previously examined example, the new set of 5 draw eventswill commence with no collected jackpot fund, as George collected it atthe end of the 5^(th) draw event of the current set of 5 draw events).

Illustrative Operating Environments

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which the presentinvention may operate. However, not all of these components may berequired to practice the invention, and variations in the arrangementand type of the components may be made without departing from the spiritor scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the inventive system andmethod may include a large number of members and/or concurrenttransactions. In other embodiments, the inventive system and method arebased on a scalable computer and network architecture that incorporatesvaries strategies for assessing the data, caching, searching, anddatabase connection pooling. An example of the scalable architecture isan architecture that is capable of operating multiple servers.

In embodiments, members of the computer system 102-104 include virtuallyany computing device capable of receiving and sending a message over anetwork, such as network 105, to and from another computing device, suchas servers 106 and 107, each other, and the like. In embodiments, theset of such devices includes devices that typically connect using awired communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, and the like. In embodiments, the set of such devices alsoincludes devices that typically connect using a wireless communicationsmedium such as cell phones, smart phones, pagers, walkie talkies, radiofrequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs, integrated devicescombining one or more of the preceding devices, or virtually any mobiledevice, and the like. Similarly, in embodiments, client devices 102-104are any device that is capable of connecting using a wired or wirelesscommunication medium such as a PDA, POCKET PC, wearable computer, andany other device that is equipped to communicate over a wired and/orwireless communication medium.

In embodiments, each member device within member devices 102-104 mayinclude a browser application that is configured to receive and to sendweb pages, and the like. In embodiments, the browser application may beconfigured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and thelike, employing virtually any web based language, including, but notlimited to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), such asHyperText Markup Language (HTML), a wireless application protocol (WAP),a Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), such as Wireless MarkupLanguage (WML), WMLScript, XML, JavaScript, and the like. Inembodiments, programming may include either Java, .Net, QT, C, C++ orother suitable programming language.

In embodiments, member devices 102-104 may be further configured toreceive a message from another computing device employing anothermechanism, including, but not limited to email, Short Message Service(SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM),internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like or a Proprietaryprotocol.

In embodiments, network 105 may be configured to couple one computingdevice to another computing device to enable them to communicate. Insome embodiments, network 105 may be enabled to employ any form ofcomputer readable media for communicating information from oneelectronic device to another. Also, in embodiments, network 105 mayinclude a wireless interface, and/or a wired interface, such as theInternet, in addition to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks(WANs), direct connections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB)port, other forms of computer-readable media, or any combinationthereof. In embodiments, on an interconnected set of LANs, includingthose based on differing architectures and protocols, a router may actas a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one toanother.

Also, in some embodiments, communication links within LANs typicallyinclude twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication linksbetween networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractionaldedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, IntegratedServices Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),wireless links including satellite links, or other communications linksknown to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in some embodiments,remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotelyconnected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephonelink. In essence, in some embodiments, network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between clientdevices 102-104, and servers 106 and 107.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the computer and networkarchitecture that supports the methods and systems of the instantinvention. In some embodiments, the member devices 202 a, 202 b thru 202n shown each at least includes a computer-readable medium, such as arandom access memory (RAM) 208 coupled to a processor 210 or FLASHmemory. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may executecomputer-executable program instructions stored in memory 208. In someembodiments, such processors comprise a microprocessor, an ASIC, andstate machines. In some embodiments, such processors comprise, or may bein communication with, media, for example computer-readable media, whichstores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to perform the steps described herein. Embodiments ofcomputer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, anelectronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission devicecapable of providing a processor, such as the processor 210 of client202 a, with computer-readable instructions. In some embodiments, otherexamples of suitable media may include, but are not limited to, a floppydisk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, an ASIC, aconfigured processor, all optical media, all magnetic tape or othermagnetic media, or any other medium from which a computer processor canread instructions. Also, various other forms of computer-readable mediamay transmit or carry instructions to a computer, including a router,private or public network, or other transmission device or channel, bothwired and wireless. In some embodiments, the instructions may comprisecode from any computer-programming language, including, for example, C,C++, Visual Basic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript.

In some embodiments, member devices 202 a-n may also comprise a numberof external or internal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, akeyboard, a display, or other input or output devices. Examples ofclient devices 202 a-n may be personal computers, digital assistants,personal digital assistants, cellular phones, mobile phones, smartphones, pagers, digital tablets, laptop computers, Internet appliances,and other processor-based devices. In general, a client device 202 a maybe any type of processor-based platform that is connected to a network206 and that interacts with one or more application programs. Clientdevices 202 a-n may operate on any operating system capable ofsupporting a browser or browser-enabled application, such as Microsoft™,Windows™, or Linux. The client devices 202 a-n shown may include, forexample, personal computers executing a browser application program suchas Microsoft Corporation's Internet Explorer™, Apple Computer, Inc.'sSafari™, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Through the client devices 202 a-n,users, 212 a-n communicate over the network 206 with each other and withother systems and devices coupled to the network 206. As shown in FIG.2, server devices 204 and 213 may be also coupled to the network 206. Inan embodiment of the present invention, one or more clients can be amobile client.

In some embodiments, the term “mobile electronic device” may refer toany portable electronic device that may or may not be enabled withlocation tracking functionality. For example, a mobile electronic devicecan include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any other reasonablemobile electronic device. For ease, at times the above variations arenot listed or are only partially listed, this is in no way meant to be alimitation.

In some embodiments, the terms “proximity detection,” “locating,”“location data,” “location information,” and “location tracking” as usedherein may refer to any form of location tracking technology or locatingmethod that can be used to provide a location of a mobile electronicdevice, such as, but not limited to, at least one of locationinformation manually input by a user, such as, but not limited toentering the city, town, municipality, zip code, area code, crossstreets, or by any other reasonable entry to determine a geographicalarea; Global Positions Systems (GPS); GPS accessed using Bluetooth™; GPSaccessed using any reasonable form of wireless and/or non-wirelesscommunication; WiFi™ server location data; Bluetooth™ based locationdata; triangulation such as, but not limited to, network basedtriangulation, WiFi™ server information based triangulation, Bluetooth™server information based triangulation; Cell Identification basedtriangulation, Enhanced Cell Identification based triangulation,Uplink-Time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) based triangulation, Time ofarrival (TOA) based triangulation, Angle of arrival (AOA) basedtriangulation; techniques and systems using a geographic coordinatesystem such as, but not limited to, longitudinal and latitudinal based,geodesic height based, cartesian coordinates based; Radio FrequencyIdentification such as, but not limited to, Long range RFID, Short rangeRFID; using any form of RFID tag such as, but not limited to active RFIDtags, passive RFID tags, battery assisted passive RFID tags; or anyother reasonable way to determine location. For ease, at times the abovevariations are not listed or are only partially listed, this is in noway meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, near-field wireless communication (NFC) canrepresent a short-range wireless communications technology in whichNFC-enabled devices are “swiped,” “bumped,” “tap” or otherwise moved inclose proximity to communicate. In some embodiments, NFC could include aset of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distanceof 10 cm or less.

In some embodiments, NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 airinterface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. In someembodiments, NFC can involve an initiator and a target; the initiatoractively generates an RF field that can power a passive target. In someembodiment, this can enable NFC targets to take very simple form factorssuch as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not requirebatteries. In some embodiments, NFC peer-to-peer communication can beconducted when a plurality of NFC-enable devices within close proximityof each other.

For purposes of the instant description, the terms “cloud,” “Internetcloud,” “cloud computing,” “cloud architecture,” and similar termscorrespond to at least one of the following: (1) a large number ofcomputers connected through a real-time communication network (e.g.,Internet); (2) providing the ability to run a program or application onmany connected computers (e.g., physical machines, virtual machines(VMs)) at the same time; (3) network-based services, which appear to beprovided by real server hardware, and are in fact served up by virtualhardware (e.g., virtual servers), simulated by software running on oneor more real machines (e.g., allowing to be moved around and scaled up(or down) on the fly without affecting the end user). In someembodiments, the inventive game-operating system offers/manages thecloud computing/architecture as, but not limiting to: infrastructure aservice (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service(SaaS). FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate schematics of exemplary implementationsof the cloud computing/architecture.

Of note, the embodiments described herein may, of course, be implementedusing any appropriate computer system hardware and/or computer systemsoftware. In this regard, those of ordinary skill in the art are wellversed in the type of computer hardware that may be used (e.g., amainframe, a mini-computer, a personal computer (“PC”), a network (e.g.,an intranet and/or the internet)), the type of computer programmingtechniques that may be used (e.g., object oriented programming), and thetype of computer programming languages that may be used (e.g., C++,Basic, AJAX, Javascript). The aforementioned examples are, of course,illustrative and not restrictive.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for acomputer-implemented method for conducting a game, where the methodincludes at least the following steps of: electronically receiving, byat least one specifically programmed computer processor, via a computernetwork, in real-time, game entries data representing game entries fromat least a thousand (1,000) players to participate in the game; where atleast one game entry identifies a single playing instance of the game,where the single playing instance of the game includes: i) a firstselection to participate in a first drawing event, where the firstselection identifies R numbers from a first pool of P numbers; ii) asecond selection to participate in a second drawing event, where thesecond selection identifies Q numbers from a second pool of S numbers;iii) a third selection to participate in a third drawing event, wherethe third selection identifies T numbers from a third pool of U numbers;iv) a fourth selection to participate in a fourth drawing event, wherethe fourth selection identifies W numbers from a fourth pool of Xnumbers; and v) a fifth selection to participate in a fifth drawingevent, where the fifth selection identifies Y numbers from a fifth poolof Z numbers; electronically determining, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, based on atleast one game mode, a plurality of winning results includes: i) atleast one first winning result of the first drawing event, ii) at leastone second winning result of the second drawing event, iii) at least onethird winning result of the third drawing event, iv) at least one fourthwinning result of the fourth drawing event, and v) at least one fifthwinning result of the fifth drawing event; electronically determining,by the at least one specifically programmed computer processor, inreal-time, at least one winning game entry from the game entries data,where the at least one winning game entry is a particular game entry inwhich: i) the first selection matches the at least one first winningresult of the first drawing event, ii) the second selection matches theat least one second winning result of the second drawing event, iii) thethird selection matches the at least one third winning result of thethird drawing event, iv) the fourth selection matches the at least onefourth winning result of the fourth drawing event, and v) the fifthselection matches the at least one fifth winning result of the fifthdrawing event; and electronically recording, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, at least oneportion of a jackpot to be distributed to a particular player associatedwith the at least one winning game entry.

In some embodiments, the first pool of P numbers equals to the secondpool of S numbers; the second pool of S numbers equals to the third poolof U numbers; the third pool of U numbers equals to the fourth pool of Xnumbers; and the fourth pool of X numbers equals to the fifth pool of Znumbers.

In some embodiments, the at least one game entry includes: i) a firstgame entry identifying the first selection, ii) a second game entryidentifying the second selection, iii) a third game entry identifyingthe third selection, iv) a fourth game entry identifying the fourthselection, and v) a fifth game entry identifying the fifth selection.

In some embodiments, the first game entry is separately received fromthe second game entry, the second game entry is separately received fromthe third game entry, the third game entry is separately received fromthe fourth game entry, and the fourth game entry is separately receivedfrom the fifth game entry.

In some embodiments, the first drawing event is conducted during a firsttime period, the second drawing event is conducted during a second timeperiod, the third drawing event is conducted during a third time period,the fourth drawing event is conducted during a fourth time period, andthe fifth drawing event is conducted during a fifth time period.

In some embodiments, the exemplary method may further include a step ofelectronically recording, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor, in real-time, a plurality of drawing prizesassociated with the one winning game entry, where the plurality ofdrawing prizes includes: i) at least one first drawing prize associatedwith the at least one first winning result of the first drawing event,ii) at least one second drawing prize associated with the at least onesecond winning result of the second drawing event, iii) at least onethird drawing prize associated with the at least one third winningresult of the third drawing event, iv) at least one fourth drawing prizeassociated with the at least one fourth winning result of the fourthdrawing event, and v) at least one fifth drawing prize associated withthe at least one fifth winning result of the fifth drawing event.

In some embodiments, the exemplary method may further include a step ofelectronically determining, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor, in real-time, a single winning distribution amountbased on: i) the at least one portion of the jackpot, and ii) theplurality of drawing prizes.

In some embodiments, the single winning distribution amount is the sumof: i) the at least one portion of the jackpot, and ii) the plurality ofdrawing prizes.

In some embodiments, the R number is larger than the Q number, the Qnumber is larger than the T number, the T number is larger than the Wnumber, and the W number is larger than the Y number;

In some embodiments, the at least one first winning result of the firstdrawing event is determined based on at least one first game mode; theat least one second winning result of the second drawing event isdetermined based on at least one second game mode; the at least onethird winning result of the third drawing event is determined based onat least one third game mode; the at least one fourth winning result ofthe fourth drawing event is determined based on at least one fourth gamemode; and the at least one fifth winning result of the fifth drawingevent is determined based on at least one fifth game mode. In someembodiments, the at least one first game mode is different from the atleast one second game mode; the at least one second game mode isdifferent from the at least one third game mode; the at least one thirdgame mode is different from the at least one fourth game mode; and theat least one fourth game mode is different from the at least one fifthgame mode.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a specificallyprogrammed game operating computer system for conducting a game whichincludes at least components of: at least one specialized computermachine, including: a non-transient memory, electronically storingparticular computer executable program code; and at least one computerprocessor which, when executing the particular program code, becomes aspecifically programmed computer processor of the specificallyprogrammed game operating computer system that is configured to performat least the following operations: electronically receiving, via acomputer network, in real-time, game entries data representing gameentries from at least a thousand (1,000) players to participate in thegame; where at least one game entry identifies a single playing instanceof the game, where the single playing instance of the game includes: i)a first selection to participate in a first drawing event, where thefirst selection identifies R numbers from a first pool of P numbers; ii)a second selection to participate in a second drawing event, where thesecond selection identifies Q numbers from a second pool of S numbers;iii) a third selection to participate in a third drawing event, wherethe third selection identifies T numbers from a third pool of U numbers;iv) a fourth selection to participate in a fourth drawing event, wherethe fourth selection identifies W numbers from a fourth pool of Xnumbers; and v) a fifth selection to participate in a fifth drawingevent, where the fifth selection identifies Y numbers from a fifth poolof Z numbers; electronically determining, in real-time, based on atleast one game mode, a plurality of winning results which include: i) atleast one first winning result of the first drawing event, ii) at leastone second winning result of the second drawing event, iii) at least onethird winning result of the third drawing event, iv) at least one fourthwinning result of the fourth drawing event, and v) at least one fifthwinning result of the fifth drawing event; electronically determining,in real-time, at least one winning game entry from the game entriesdata, where the at least one winning game entry is a particular gameentry in which: i) the first selection matches the at least one firstwinning result of the first drawing event, ii) the second selectionmatches the at least one second winning result of the second drawingevent, iii) the third selection matches the at least one third winningresult of the third drawing event, iv) the fourth selection matches theat least one fourth winning result of the fourth drawing event, and v)the fifth selection matches the at least one fifth winning result of thefifth drawing event; and electronically recording, in real-time, atleast one portion of a jackpot to be distributed to a particular playerassociated with the at least one winning game entry.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further still, thevarious steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desiredsteps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for conducting agame, wherein the method, comprising: electronically receiving, by atleast one specifically programmed computer processor, via a computernetwork, in real-time, game entries data representing game entries fromat least a thousand (1,000) players to participate in the game;electronically determining, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor, in real-time, based on at least one game mode, aplurality of winning results; electronically determining, by the atleast one specifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, atleast one winning game entry from the game entries data; andelectronically recording, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor, in real-time, at least one portion of a jackpot tobe distributed to a particular player associated with the at least onewinning game entry.